For the first time, local sporting coaches and aspiring strength and conditioning professionals will have the opportunity to gain accreditation from the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) without the need to travel, thanks to a two-day course being hosted by the University of New England’s Exercise and Sport Science Department.
On the 3rd and 4th August, 2024, UNE’s Dr Bradley Morris will run the popular ASCA Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach Accreditation Course at the UNE Armidale Campus, aimed at anyone interested in broadening their skills in exercise prescription, delivery and sports performance.
Dr Morris is a Level 3 ASCA coach, a lecturer in Exercise and Sport Science, and has extensive experience working with grassroots through to international athletes, and is excited to bring this rare opportunity to the region.
“Until now, anyone from the New England North West with ambitions to become ASCA level 1 accredited has had to travel hours away to the nearest city where the course is offered,” he says.
“To maintain our thriving sporting culture and reputation for athletic excellence, it is critical that opportunities to upskill and gain accreditation are available close to home for those living in the wider New England region.”
The two-day in-person course is accompanied by a short online component. It will involve participants learning about strength and conditioning and its role in sports performance, with a particular focus on the delivery of gym-based and field-based sessions (training interventions) to boost sports performance and minimise injury risk. This will include the breakdown and instruction of key movements like squats and deadlifts.
Upon completion, attendees will become accredited to design and deliver strength and conditioning interventions to improve the physical performance of local athletes. They will also be able to provide specific strength and conditioning programs to individual and team athletes and practice in a legal volunteer or paid position.
“The course is more than half the price of a Certificate III and can be completed in just a weekend, making it a cost-effective option for local coaches and aspiring strength and conditioning professionals who may not be able to commit to a year of study.
“The course is also a great stepping stone to higher strength and conditioning accreditation levels.”
Visit the UNE website to find out more about the program, pricing, and what’s involved.
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